[Federal Register: March 16, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 50)]
[Notices]
[Page 12905-12906]
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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Mine Safety and Health Administration
Petitions for Modification
The following parties have filed petitions to modify the
application of existing safety standards under section 101(c) of the
Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977.
1. Snyder Coal Company
[Docket No. M-2005-007-C]
Snyder Coal Company, 66 Snyder Lane, Hegins, Pennsylvania 17938 has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 77.403(a) (Mobile
equipment; rollover protective structures (ROPS) to its N & L Slope
Mine (MSHA I.D. No. 36-02203) located in Northumberland County,
Pennsylvania. The petitioner requests a modification of the existing
standard to permit the Case Front End Loader, Model W26B, S/N No.
9107513 to be used at the N & L Slope Mine without being equipped with
rollover protection structures (ROPS). The petitioner asserts that the
proposed alternative method would provide at least the same measure of protection as the existing standard.
2. Ohio Valley Coal Company (The)
[Docket No. M-2005-008-C]
Ohio Valley Coal Company (The), 56854 Pleasant Ridge Road,
Alledonia, Ohio 43902 has filed a petition to modify the application of
30 CFR 75.380 (Escapeways; bituminous and lignite mines) to its
Powhatan No. 6 Mine (MSHA I.D. No. 33-01159) located in Belmont County,
Ohio. Due to deteriorating roof conditions throughout the portion of
Main North which extends from the junction of A-West Submain to the
Portal of Hope, the petitioner proposes to mine and/or rehabilitate a
set of entries parallel to the existing Main North entries. The
petitioner states that the majority of the development will consist of
rehabilitation of existing entries and crosscuts, and some extraction
of coal in areas between the existing gate sections. The petitioner
will use specific terms and conditions listed in this petition when the
proposed alternative method is implemented. The petitioner asserts that
the proposed alternative method would provide at least the same measure
of protection as the existing standard.
3. Eastern Associated Coal Corporation
[Docket No. M-2005-009-C]
Eastern Associated Coal Corporation, P.O. Box 148, Graham, Kentucky 42344 has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR
77.214(a) (Refuse file; general) to its Kopperston Preparation Plant
(MSHA I.D. No. 46-03157) located in Wyoming County, West Virginia. The
petitioner proposes to backfill four (4) existing mine openings
associated with the Longbranch Energy Mine No. 20, with non-acid
producing soil. The soil will extend approximately 25 feet into the
mine and at least 4 feet in all directions beyond the limits of the
mine opening. The petitioner also proposes to cover any exposed coal
seam along the mine bench with soil to at least 4 feet above the coal
seam. The petitioner has listed in this petition specific terms and
conditions that will be followed when the proposed alternative method
is implemented. The petitioner asserts that since the existing mine is
abandoned, the proposed alternative method would provide at least the
same measure of protection as the existing standard.
4. Thunder Basin Coal Company, LLC
[Docket No. M-2005-010-C]
Thunder Basin Coal Company, LLC, P.O. Box 406, Wright, Wyoming
82732 has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 77.700-1
(Grounding metallic sheaths, armors, and conduits enclosing power
conductors) to its Black Thunder Mine (MSHA I.D. No. 48-00977), and
Coal Creek Mine (MSHA I.D. No. 48-01215) both located in Campbell
County, Wyoming. The petitioner requests a modification of the existing
standard to permit an alternative method of compliance for the
grounding of a diesel electric generator. The petitioner proposes to
use a portable diesel-powered electric generator to electrically power
shovels while moving them from point to point around the mine. The
petitioner also proposes to use a portable diesel electric generator to
provide temporary power to mobile equipment where substations are not
readily available and where substations cannot easily be installed
without major construction work, and to provide temporary power to
stationary loads when utility power is unavailable. The petitioner
asserts that the proposed alternative method would provide at least the
same measure of protection as the existing standard.
5. Powder River Coal Company
[Docket No. M-2005-011-C]
Powder River Coal Company, 1013 E. Boxelder Road, Caller Box 3034, Gillette, Wyoming 82717-3034 has filed a petition to modify the
application of 30 CFR 77.700-1 (Grounding metallic sheaths, armors, and
conduits enclosing power conductors) to its North Antelope/Rochelle
Mine (MSHA I.D. No. 48-01353), Caballo Mine (MSHA I.D. No. 48-01034),
and Rawhide Mine (MSHA I.D. No. 48-00993) all located in Campbell
County, Wyoming. The petitioner requests a modification of the existing
standard to permit an alternative method of compliance for the
grounding of a diesel electric generator. The petitioner proposes to
use a portable diesel powered electric generator for temporary power
and/or to move electrically powered mining equipment in and around the
mine. The petitioner asserts that application of the existing standard
would result in a diminution of safety to the miners, and that the
proposed alternative method would provide at least the same measure of
protection as the existing standard.
6. Goodin Creek Mining Company, Inc.
[Docket No. M-2005-012-C]
Goodin Creek Mining Company, Inc., has filed a petition to modify
the application of 30 CFR 75.342 (Methane monitors) to its Mine
#2 (MSHA I.D. No. 15-18606) located in Whitley County,
Kentucky. The petitioner proposes to use hand-held continuous-duty
methane and mounted methane monitors on three-wheel tractors with drag
bottom buckets. The petitioner states that the operator will be
qualified in the proper use of the detector. The petitioner asserts
that the proposed alternative method would provide at least the same
measure of protection as the existing standard.
Request for Comments
Persons interested in these petitions are encouraged to submit
comments via Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov; e-mail: zzMSHA-Comments@dol.gov; Fax: (202) 693-9441; or Regular Mail/Hand Delivery/Courier: Mine Safety and Health Administration, Office of
Standards, Regulations, and Variances, 1100 Wilson Boulevard, Room
2350, Arlington, Virginia 22209. All comments must be postmarked or
received in that office on or before April 15, 2005. Copies of these
petitions are available for inspection at that address.
Dated in Arlington, Virginia this 11th day of March, 2005.
Rebecca J. Smith,
Acting Director, Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances.
[FR Doc. 05-5185 Filed 3-15-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-43-P
